Superstar golfer Rory McIlroy asserts that avaricious players, rather than governing bodies, are responsible for a recent modification to the rules that will reduce the distance of golf balls for both professional and amateur players.
According to Mike Stachura of Golf Digest, the impending rule change will restrict the types of golf balls that can be used not only in tournaments but also by amateurs. The change involves revising the method of testing golf balls to determine if they adhere to the rules. Specifically, it is anticipated that the test for the Overall Distance Standard will raise the swing speed at which golf balls are tested from the current standard of 120 mph to 125 mph. Despite the increase in swing speed, the distance limit of 317 yards will remain unchanged.
Prominent long hitters like Bryson Dechambeau have criticized the proposed rule change.
Initially, the USGA and R&A intended to apply the rule solely to professionals and top-level amateurs. However, this soon changed, and it will now apply to all players universally. McIlroy attributes this shift to the pros.
McIlroy tweeted, “I don’t comprehend the outrage over the golf ball roll back. It will have absolutely no impact on the average golfer and will promote the sustainability of golf. Additionally, it will help reintroduce certain skills to the professional game that have been diminished over the past two decades.”
He continued, “The individuals who are upset about this decision should not be angry with the governing bodies; they should direct their anger towards elite professionals and club/ball manufacturers because they were opposed to ‘bifurcation.'”
Earlier this year, the governing bodies presented the option of bifurcation, but elite professionals and ball manufacturers believed it would have a negative impact on their profits. In reality, the game is already divided. “Do you think we play with the same equipment as you do?” McIlroy questioned. They pressured the governing bodies to roll back the changes to a lesser extent for everyone. Bifurcation was the logical solution for all, but once again, money prevailed in this sport.
McIlroy’s argument is valid. The average golfer does not require the same distance as professionals. However, the opinions of professionals and equipment manufacturers hold more weight. They got what they wanted. Whether this is the right decision for the game is a separate debate.
According to the Source brobible.com